Where the jobs are: Yes, even welding

Action sports innovators. Job seekers searching for a strong sector should consider that even in the current economic slump the surf/skate industry is riding high. Its U.S. retail sales reached $7.22 billion in 2008, according to the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association.

All these career sectors are being shaped by innovations in science and technology which are being developed daily through universities, labs and research and development companies across the nation and around the world. Every job within these sectors requires differing levels of basic education or training as well as a commitment to continuing education because of the never-ending transformations in technologies and applications in these sectors.

To close San Diego’s job gap we need to create and keep good jobs here by supporting innovative small companies and by retraining people for the new technologies. We must synchronize training with innovation to get ahead of the curve. A future with good jobs for all in San Diego depends upon it.

Walshok, associate vice chancellor for public programs and dean of Extension at UC San Diego, and DeVries, assistant dean of Extension at UC San Diego, are co-authors of the new book “Closing America’s Job Gap: How to Grow Companies and Land Good Jobs in the Age of Innovation.”